ToteRageous

10/19/2023

So, an update is long overdue! I apologize, my friends.

With the combination of my lengthy hospital sojourn, my health, equipment failure and loss of a place to sew, Toterageous has been put on indefinite hold.

The last 3 1/2 months have thrown a lot of things my way, both positive and negative and I need time to sort everything out and look for a place that I can call my own and create.

I hope you understand. I’ll be back, I promise!!!!!!

08/09/2023

Just an update: due to my former sewing machine dying on me and dealing with the aftermath of leaving a job, the past 3 weeks have been pretty non-productive.

However, I am back “in the sewing saddle again” and hope to start posting more updates on a regular basis.

The tote bag give-a-way that was originally scheduled for July 28th will be coming up near the end of this month.

Stay tuned, friends. . .🤗

07/21/2023

After much thought and gentle prodding from my sister-in-law, Debbie, I broke down and purchased a new sewing machine.

At $192, it’s a far cry from the $3000 Pfaff computerized machines I’ve been using for the past 25 years, but it’s made for heavy duty use and I think it’s gonna plow through the tote bags with a breeze!

No bells and whistles; just a good ol’ basic Plain Jane machine. Sometimes that’s best!!

Hope to get back up and running next week!!!

07/17/2023

Well, unfortunately, my sewing machine has stopped working and tote bag creation has come to a stop for the foreseeable future. Until I can afford to have it repaired, things are at a standstill. 😫

The tote bag giveaway that was scheduled for July 28 has been postponed until further notice.

My apologies to all. I hope to be back up and running within the next few weeks.

Thank you for your understanding and support!-

07/08/2023

07/07/2023

A few people have asked why my tote bags are priced so high at $85.00. After all, it’s JUST a tote bag!

Short answer: My price is based on my talent and time and not anyone’s budget.

Long answer: My basic single panel tote bag has a minimum of 23 pieces of fabric that all have to be measured, cut and serged before being sewn together. This takes a great deal of time.

The tote bag pictured below has 31 individual pieces.

I am extremely meticulous in my sewing; perhaps overly so, but I hold myself to high standards. My name and reputation are on the line.

I understand not everyone can afford one of my tote bags. Even I couldn’t afford to buy one! 🤣

Remember: it’s not just a tote bag. . .it’s a handmade one-of-a-kind TOTERAGEOUS tote bag!!!!

06/30/2023

After 4 weeks of being in labor, finally. . .

06/30/2023

I prewash all my fabrics before making the tote bags. As a result, the canvas and twill that are used for the body and lining, come out very wrinkled. No amount of steam and ironing will eliminate those pesky wrinkles, so I use them to my advantage which I think gives the bags a slightly pre-used look and a bit of character!

Look for the silver lining in everything!!!! 🤣

06/27/2023

I want to make sure everyone understands that the tote bags are soft-sided.

In the first picture, you can see the cardboard support that I use for showing off the bag.

In the second picture, the bag is shown au naturel! 🤣

06/26/2023

Roughly 3 weeks ago, I created a Gofundme to raise money for sewing equipment for a new business venture, Toterageous.

With an overall goal of $10,000, my first goal was to raise $2500 to purchase a new serger.

As of this morning, I am only $187 away from meeting that goal and I am (as the Brits would say) gobsmacked!!! 🤣
The overwhelming response from friends from the past 5 decades of my life has completely shaken me.

If you really know me, you know I HATE asking for help. I have always found it embarrassing and felt like it showed weakness in my character.

However, are we not taught from the Bible to “ask and ye shall receive”? I began praying for help from the Good Lord above and He has answered my prayers above and beyond my expectations. I never cease to be amazed how He continually works through other people. I am humbled and beyond grateful for His blessings.

I hope everyone who contributed to my fundraiser received the thank you emails I sent through Gofundme.

If not, I am thanking each of you right here and now from the bottom of my heart!!!

Please know, that with the Lord’s blessing, I plan to “pay it forward” when I am able.

May God bless each of you and answer your needs as He has mine.

❤️❤️❤️

06/25/2023

https://gofund.me/a56da8e7

Hi, my name is Keith Hardy and I’m raising money to purchase sewing equipment for … Keith Hardy needs your support for Keith’s One-of-a-kind Tote Bag Business

06/24/2023

I really enjoyed making the bias gingham welting for this bag. It compliments the buffalo check print well.